Effect of Toxoplasma gondii Parasite Infection on Levels of AMH, IL-2 and IL-12 in Serum of Pregnant Women
TL;DR
Toxoplasma gondii infection during pregnancy is associated with significant increases in serum Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH), Interleukin-2 (IL-2), and Interleukin-12 (IL-12).
Abstract
: Toxoplasmosis is one of the most common parasitic infections that occur during pregnancy, particularly in early pregnancy. The parasite activates the immune system, often leading to miscarriage. After the immune response to the parasite is activated, changes occur in the secretion of inflammatory cytokines and the ovarian reserve hormone, anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH). Most studies have observed a link between AMH and the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. The study aimed to determine the serum levels of AMH, interleukin-2, and interleukin-12 in women pregnant and infected with Toxoplasma gondii and compare these levels with those of uninfected pregnant women. Samples were taken from 100 pregnant women in their first trimester. Fifty of these women were infected with toxoplasmosis, as their serological tests for both IgG and IgM antibodies were positive. The second group consisted of 50 pregnant women of similar ages who were healthy and served as the control group. Ovarian hormone (AMH), interleukin-2, and interleukin-12 levels were measured in the serum of these groups using ELISA. Data were analyzed using SPSS software, and a p-value < 0.05 was statistically significant. Pregnant women with toxoplasmosis had significantly higher serum AMH levels than those in the control group (5.22 ± 0.399 vs. 2.66 ± 0.552 ng/mL; P = 0.040). IL-2 was also significantly elevated among infected women (10.75 ± 0.68 vs. 3.38 ± 0.40 pg/mL; P = 0.029), as was IL-12 (16.24 ± 0.60 vs. 5.08 ± 0.50 pg/mL; P = 0.027). Together, these findings show a significant association between T. gondii infection, immune activation, and increased serum AMH levels during pregnancy. Toxoplasma gondii infection during pregnancy is associated with significant increases in serum Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH), Interleukin-2 (IL-2), and Interleukin-12 (IL-12). The positive relationship observed between AMH and these inflammatory cytokines suggests that the immune response triggered by toxoplasmosis may affect ovarian function during pregnancy.
